SPAIN´S PROVISIONAL APPROACH ON THE DESIGN OF ECO-SCHEMES

ENRD WorkshopPreparing the CAP Strategic Plans: Designing Eco-Schemes

25th February 2021

Lorena Andrés Sancholandres@mapa.es

I. STATE OF PLAY: STRATEGIC PLAN

Phase 1: Analysis and Needs Assessment (Feb 2019-2020)

• SWOT & Needs assessment

• Needs prioritization

Phase 2: Intervention Strategy (2021)

• Document on conditionality: baseline for eco-schemes (under discussion)

• Provisional list of eco-schemes (under discussion)

• First Pillar HLWG: instrument that leads the discussion at technical level (Agriculture Ministry-Regional Authorities) 3 meetings so far (oct 2020-nov 2020-feb 2021)

• SP Draft: planned for Summer 2021

Next steps in eco-schemes:

• Final list of eco-schemes

• Link and synergy with Pillar II measures

Continuous Coordination with Key stakeholdersMinistry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Regional Authorities, Agrarian and Environmental Organizations

INPUTS

PROGRESS CONDITIONED ON RINGFENCING AGREED

¿TRILOGUES?

EU STRATEGIES(F2F, BS, GD)

• Setting priority needs (recommendations from COM)

• Heterogeneity of Spanish agriculture: access to different production systems(sustainable production)

• Simplification for farmers and administration (control)

• Keeping (most) eco-schemes as annual commitments

• Provide room for AECC (reserved for specific actions at regional level and multiannualcommitments)

• Achieve a high uptake by farmers

II. PRINCIPLES GUIDING THE DESIGN OF ECO-SCHEMES

1. Improving grassland sustainability, increasing soil carbon sink capacity and fire prevention through extensive livestock farming

2. Proper pasture management: mowing of meadows and unmowed borders

Eco-schemes

Goal 1. Practices for increasing soil carbon sink capacity and fire prevention

OBJECTIVE: To increase carbon sequestration in grasslands by improving the sustainability of grasslands and other pasture

land through rational grazing, emission reduction and fire prevention.

APPROACH: Compensatory, through Article 28.6.b. Payment per hectare or per LU. Amounts differentiated according to

livestock and area conditions (loss of income).

Related FLAGSHIP: CARBON AGRICULTURE/AGROECOLOGY

Specific objectives to which it mainly contributes: 4, 5, 6 and 9

III. LIST OF POTENTIAL ECO-SCHEMES

3. Promotion of crop rotation with improving species

Eco-scheme

Goal 2. Practices for the improvement of organic carbon, fertility and soil quality in arable

lands

OBJECTIVE: To improve soil fertility and its content in nutrients available to plants on arable land, and thus reduce the use

of fertilisers (mainly nitrogenous) and their impact on the environment. In addition, to improve the structure of the soil

and, consequently, its capacity for carbon sequestration and water retention as well as to reduce the incidence of weeds,

pests and diseases, using the species of the rotation itself as a control, with the consequent reduction of plant-protection

products and their impact on the environment, as well as the use of water resources.

APPROACH: Compensatory, through Article 28.6.b.

Related FLAGSHIP: CARBON AGRICULTURE

Specific objectives to which it mainly contributes: 4, 5 and 6

4. Rational fertilization, nutrient management plans5. Alternative practices to open burning or improper handling of harvest and pruning residues: inert plant

cover, energy recovery from plant biomass, composting6. Promoting the application of individual plans for the sustainable use of plant-protection products

Eco-schemes

Goal 3: Precision farming and emission reduction practices

OBJECTIVE: To promote agricultural practices that reduce emissions of GHGs and particulate pollutants into the

atmosphere while encouraging the sustainable use of inputs and the sustainable recovery and management of plant

remains, in order to improve natural resources, in particular water and air quality. In addition, it contributes to the

protection of biodiversity and the improvement of eco-system services while preserving habitat s and landscapes.

APPROACH: Incentive, through Article 28.6.a (rational fertilization and sustainable use of plant-protection products) and

Compensatory, through Article 28.6.b (alternative practices to open burning). Different amounts can be analysed

according to orographic factors, such as the land slope or other agronomic factors.

Related FLAGSHIP : PRECISION AGRICULTURE/AGROECOLOGY

Specific objectives to which it mainly contributes: 4, 5, 6 and 9

7. Practices for improving soil conservation through living plant covers in permanent crops8. Conservation agriculture: direct seeding (restricted to eroded areas or areas at high risk of erosion)

Eco-schemes

Goal 4: Practices for improving soil conservation

OBJECTIVE: To promote practices that reduce erosion and loss of soil, favoring an increase in its organic matter, as well asthe improvement of its structure and its carbon fixing capacity.

APPROACH: Compensatory, through Article 28.6.b. Different amounts can be analysed according to orographic factors,such as the land slope or other agronomic factors.

Related FLAGSHIP : CARBON AGRICULTURE/AGROECOLOGY

Specific objectives to which it mainly contributes: 4, 5

9. Practices for improving biodiversity: establishment of multifunctional margins and islands ofbiodiversity, non-harvesting and maintenance of crops areas for birds shelter and feeding

Eco-schemes

Goal 5: Practices for improving biodiversity

OBJECTIVE: To promote biodiversity, especially insect and bird populations and to facilitate the movement of fauna between territories.

APPROACH: Incentive, through Article 28.6.a. (multifunctional margins and islands) and Compensatory , through Article 28.6.b (non harvesting and maintenance of crop areas).

Related FLAGSHIP : AGROECOLOGY

Specific objectives to which it mainly contributes: 6

• Difficulty in adopting an incentive approach in many practices (WTO restrictions)

• Achieving a balance between environmental benefits and the eco-schemes uptake byfarmers (especially when the payment is through a compensatory and not anincentive approach)

• Calculation of the unit value

• Monitoring of eco-schemes: control and indicators

• Ensuring there is no excess or lack of funds

• Assuring consistency between eco-schemes and Pillar II (avoid double-funding)

IV. MAIN CHALLENGES & QUESTIONS FOR DEBATE

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!